link
Lysithea enters the scene
link
Balthus enters the scene
link
Balthus
volume_up

Little Lysithea! These ears miss nothing, you know.
link
Lysithea
volume_up

What are you on about this time?
link
Balthus
volume_up

Is it true that Count Ordelia plans to relinquish his title eventually?
link
Lysithea
volume_up

Yes. But why are you asking?
link
Balthus
volume_up

I approve, that's all. Throwing off the shackles of nobility to live freely. It's a beautiful thing.
link
Lysithea
volume_up

I would ask that you refrain from painting them with the same brushstrokes that you so liberally paint yourself with.
link
Lysithea
volume_up

My mother and father will carry on with all the associated duties befitting of nobles. Only after that will they retire.
link
Balthus
volume_up

Got it. And that's completely different from someone like me who tapped out of the nobility game, right?
link
Balthus
volume_up

Your parents are exemplary nobles, that's for sure. I respect that you support them as much as you do.
link
Lysithea
volume_up

Would you just stop. You're embarrassing me.
link
Balthus
volume_up

Can't be helped. Meant every word. If anyone should have red cheeks, it's me, given the choices I've made.
link
Lysithea
volume_up

I'm sure you had your reasons.
link
Balthus
volume_up

Of course. Still, it is a bit cowardly of me not to stand up to my family a bit more.
link
Balthus
volume_up

Honestly... It's since getting to know you that I've started thinking along those lines.
link
Balthus
volume_up

One day soon, I'll return to that house. My reception will be chilly at best... Still, it must be done.
link
Balthus
volume_up

My house is full of lowlifes. But it also has my little bro, who took over when I left. He's good people.
link
Balthus
volume_up

Even with the difficulties in Leicester, our house is still going strong. That's his doing.
link
Balthus
volume_up

That's why I've decided that it's time to talk to him about what can be done to help Count Ordelia.
link
Lysithea
volume_up

Repaying your perceived debt would be nice, sure, but it sounds like you intend to foist your responsibility on to your little brother.
link
Balthus
volume_up

Ah, but the two aren't related. This is just the right thing to do. I'm still pondering how best to fulfill my vow.
link
Lysithea
volume_up

Uh-huh...
link
Balthus
volume_up

Wow. You don't believe me, do you, little lady?
link
Lysithea
volume_up

Just what exactly are you planning on in terms of this...repayment?
link
Balthus
volume_up

After your family relinquishes their noble titles, I'll support them so that you can all live in peace.
link
Lysithea
volume_up

Even though you're a lowlife?
link
Balthus
volume_up

That may be true—and it is—but consider this. I've seen life from both sides. As a noble and a vagabond.
link
Balthus
volume_up

When their situation changes, they'll face new challenges. I'm the perfect guy to help 'em through.
link
Lysithea
volume_up

You're irresponsible and unreliable, but clearly, you're not a bad person.
link
Lysithea
volume_up

And your support would be most appreciated.
link
Lysithea
volume_up

Just so you're aware, however, we have no means with which to pay you. So are you sure you're still willing to follow through with this?
link
Balthus
volume_up

I wasn't planning on doing this for a payout. But if you really insisted on a thank-you gift...
link
Balthus
volume_up

Well, you could always accept me into your family. Then paying me wouldn't be a consideration.
link
Lysithea
volume_up

Excuse me? Just what are you insinuating?
link
Balthus
volume_up

Don't think too hard about it just yet. I still have lots of debts to pay and affairs to settle. In the meantime, let's just stick close together, yeah?